Upscaling multiphase flow through heterogeneous porous media

Upscaling the effect of heterogeneities in porous media is crucial for macroscopic flow predictions, with widespread applications in energy and environmental settings. In this study, we derive expressions for the upscaled flow properties of a porous medium with a vertical heterogeneity, using a comb...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Benham, G P, Bickle, MJ, Neufeld, JA
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 03.07.2020
Subjects
Aquifers
Carbon dioxide
Carbon sequestration
Computer simulation
Flooding
Heterogeneity
Multiphase flow
Porous media
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Summary:Upscaling the effect of heterogeneities in porous media is crucial for macroscopic flow predictions, with widespread applications in energy and environmental settings. In this study, we derive expressions for the upscaled flow properties of a porous medium with a vertical heterogeneity, using a combination of asymptotic analysis and numerical simulations. Then, we use these upscaled expressions to describe the dynamic flooding of an aquifer, where the classic Buckley-Leverett formulation is modified to account for heterogeneities. In particular, we show that heterogeneities can modify flooding speeds significantly, and we discuss the implications of these results in the case of carbon dioxide sequestration.
ISSN:2331-8422